And it’s all squeezed together in an area less than half the size of North America.

Gay Travel Europe – Tours and Destinations

BERLIN, GERMANY

You should have thought that more than 50 years of tyranny – first under Hitler and then as part of a puppet state under the USSR – would have made a permanent mark on Berlin’s historicly open and accepting attitude towards the LGBT community.

But when you visit Berlin today it’s like those years never happened.

Surely they are clearly visible in the cityscape with historic landmarks and architectural elements. But the people of Berlin seem so friendly and tolerant that it is unbelievable that they have lived under oppressive regimes for so long.

Berlin is unlike any other city. It’s closest “competitors” are probably San Francisco and Amsterdam. However, neither of those cities offer quite the laid back ambience of especially Berlin’s Schöneberg neighborhood.

Traditionally, there have been gay neighborhoods in the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg (both in the western part of Berlin) as well as in Prenzlauer Berg (eastern part).

Most of the gay hotels, bars, cafes and shops in Berlin are located in the Schöneberg district which had dance halls for men already back in the 1920s.

Berlin’s Schöneberg district will not strike you with grand architecture and fancy restaurants.

You’ll have more of a feeling of coziness and, for me and my boyfriend at least, of coming home.

Its neighborhood bars welcome you with friendly bartenders and patrons that are more than happy to have a chat.

And if you’re in the market for something more it has plenty of cruisy clubs with active dark rooms.

SITGES, SPAIN

Sitges is a seaside town about 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, renowned worldwide for its artsy and progressive attitude.

Together with Ibiza, the town was the counterculture centre of 1960s Spain and later has become a very popular European travel destinations for gays and lesbians.

Lovingly referred to as the Saint-Tropez of Spain, Sitges draws a considerable crowd of jet-setters and party-loving people.

In July and August it is packed with gays from all over Europe and the city is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world.

Sitges is a truly European city, with 35% of its 26,000 inhabitants coming from the Netherlands, the UK, France and Scandinavia.

It also has a considerable dog population and is a great place to take your best friend. You can see people walking their canine companions along the beach boardwalk all the time, both enjoying it equally.

Most of the gay bars in sitges are clustered within a small area of the town center, which makes it convenient to bar hop if you get bored.

No matter what you are into, you will probably find a bar to your liking.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Among cities in Eastern Europe, few have developed a more spirited gay and lesbian following than Prague.

This remarkably well-preserved city of 1.2 million straddles the Vltava River and buzzes with gay-friendly cafes, bars, and shops.

Prague’s greatest attributes are its rich history, evident in its beautifully preserved architecture, and its lively buzz.

A great mix of artists, tourists, ex-pats, students, and gays and lesbians, congregate at trendy hangouts throughout the city.

With its ancient cathedrals, medieval architecture, and narrow and crooked streets, Old Town (Stare Mesto) is undeniably charming.

It is also heavy-handedly commercial, especially near the inevitably jam-packed blocks around the Charles Bridge. The streets overflow with shops selling jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs of varying quality.

The bridge itself is a must, as it offers dramatic views of the city center in one direction, and imposing Prague Castle in the other.

Try to go in the morning, before the crowds overrun it.

New Town (Nove Mesto) is adjacent to Old Town and is Prague’s true business center. It’s also a hub of international hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Farther east but still within walking distance are the more residential Zizkov and Vinohrady neighborhoods.

In the latter area, you’ll find the heart of Prague’s gay nightclub scene, but even during the day, Vinohrady is worth exploring.

Its broad streets and handsome 19th-century buildings are a welcome relief from the tight and crowded lanes of the city center.

Here you’ll find plenty of eateries and shops along main drags like Vinohradska and Korunni.